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2003 Mercedes-Benz S430Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 26 owner complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430, most often about the electrical system. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

54
CarFlaw IndexSolid year15% below the S430 median · #3 of 7 years by complaints
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints261 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage80kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 28, 2021. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430 has problems

26 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system121
Suspension40
Exterior lighting30
Seat belts30
Power train20
Engine20
Vehicle speed control10
Air bags10
Wheels10
6 other systems60

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

0 recalls

2003 Mercedes-Benz S430 recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other S430 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S430 median. How we score

'00'01'02'03'04'05'06
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What S430 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES S430. THE OTHER DAY MY WIFE WAS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN IT JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. HOW DO WE ALLOW A VEHICLE TO OPERATE ON THE HIGHWAY THAT WOULD JUST CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT AT LEAST GIVING YOU A CHANCE…
Complaint 11078449 · Mar 10, 2018 · 90,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING GETTING READY TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY MY 2003 MERCEDES S430 INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT OUT. THE GAUGES GOT STUCK ON WHAT THEY WERE WHILE DRIVING. I WASN'T ABLE TO SEE ANYTHING ON THE PANEL. I TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST SHOP AND THEY CHANGED THE FUSE, HOWEVER THE FUSE BLEW RIGHT BACK OUT EACH TIME…
Complaint 10897883 · Aug 23, 2016 · 121,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ S430. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE KEY TO THE ON POSITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN…
Complaint 10784966 · Oct 21, 2015 · 81,563 miles

Own a 2003 S430?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.